Stanley 1913 has unveiled its second Día de Muertos collection, and this time it's a true collaboration with Mexican artist Lupe Hernandez. The line, which includes thermoses and tumblers, draws directly from the traditional art of papel picado and the vibrant culture of México.
Hernandez, a native of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, brings his deep knowledge of Mexican craft to the project. The collection features six pieces in two colorways: one in elegant black and white, and another in the iconic orange of the cempasúchil flower, a staple of Día de Muertos altars.
Not inspired by, created with
Stanley's campaign for this collection is built around the phrase “Not inspired by. Created with.” That distinction matters. Rather than borrowing superficial motifs, the brand worked directly with Hernandez, whose artistic practice is rooted in the traditions of his homeland. His work has earned him recognition, including the Nest Heritage Craft Prize in 2023 and the Jones Artist Award from the Houston Endowment in 2024.
Hernandez's art often explores themes of family, labor, and cultural identity. In this collection, those themes are woven into every design. The papel picado patterns are not just decorative—they carry meaning, reflecting the artist's own exploration of what it means to be Mexican in a transnational context.
The collaboration also highlights a growing trend in the U.S. market: brands seeking genuine partnerships with Latino artists rather than relying on stereotypes. For Stanley, this is a step toward authenticity, and for Hernandez, it's an opportunity to bring his art to a wider audience.
“I want people to see the beauty of Mexican culture, but also to understand the stories behind it,” Hernandez said in a statement. “Papel picado is more than decoration; it's a language of memory and celebration.”
The collection is available now on Stanley's website and at select retailers. It's a timely release, just ahead of Día de Muertos, which is celebrated on November 1 and 2 across México and in many U.S. communities.
For those who want to explore more about Mexican cultural expressions, check out our piece on Ruben Arvizu's Spanish-language Star Wars legacy or the recent surge of Mexican acts on U.S. stages. And if you're curious about other Latino artists making waves, our coverage of Luis Hernandez's UFC journey shows how heritage can fuel success in unexpected arenas.
Stanley's Día de Muertos collection is more than a product drop—it's a celebration of Mexican artistry and a reminder that cultural appreciation, when done right, can be both beautiful and respectful.
